I was turning into my street this afternoon, and I blew a brake line on the drivers side. Limped home and saw where it may have bent back and ruptured. I am pretty handy and have the tools for the job. Any tips on bleeding the brake line manually? I watched several videos on the two person method. I am hoping to fix this myself or else it is a tow in to my mechanic. The small hand pump sold at the auto parts store looked pretty easy, so I may go that route. Can anyone offer advice or sequence of which ones to bleed first? Does is not matter if the hand pump method is used? Thank you for any help.
Start with brake furthest from the master cylinder and work your way back. I use a hose that fits over the bleeder run into a quart jar half full of brake fluid. Just slowly press down peddle, won't such air as long as tube end is submerged.
I usually have one of my kids come out and push the pedal while I open and close the bleeders. Usually the younger one, as she actually gets it. I have never used a pump. Either way, start at the farthest wheel away from the master cylinder and work your way back. If you are just replacing a brake line, you should be able to get away with just bleeding that end (both fronts or both rears). When did they quit using the dual reservoir master cylinders? I blew out a rusted brake line on my Excursion while towing my travel trailer, and would have been in some serious chit without the trailer and its functioning brakes.
The pump is under $40.00 and has a few good reviews for one or two time use. I may do the passenger side while I have all the tools out. Thanks a bunch fellers.
I have always used a pump, very simple. In fact you should do them all, suck all the fluid out until it is clean. when you see how simple you will.
I just finished. I used the hand suction kit from the auto parts store. I pulled new fluid on the drivers side through until no air bubles. I added a few cups to the reservoir as I went. I did the passenger side bleed, no air. I shut the bleeder and capped the valve. I then tried the brakes, no mush on the pedal. I will test drive it in the morning. This weekend I will bleed the rears to flush them out. The old fluid was a little darker but clear. Removing the tire would have been easier, but I was short on time working outside. My work light bulb shattered next to my head when a few drops of water hit it when it was on. Fun stuff. Thanks again everyone.
Good times! I've done quite a few re-brake line vehicles this year. I think my 6 month usage of bulk brake line is about 250'!
